Nestled in the north of Bavaria in Germany, the city of Bamberg stands as a testament to centuries of history, culture, and architectural beauty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamberg is often referred to as the “Franconian Rome” due to its religiously imbued atmosphere. The city offers visitors a unique blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy.

Known from written evidence from the beginning of the 10th century, “Babenberg” began as a heavily fortified site intended to protect the German hinterland from Slavic intrusions. In 1007, however, the German King Heinrich II succeeded in transforming his beloved Bamberg into a Diocese, complete with a new Cathedral and Palace. Later, he and his queen, Kunigunde, were canonized as royal saints, and the city was transformed into their virtual shrine.

Domburg

A visit begins at the Domburg with the Cathedral, the Old Royal Household and the more modern Episcopal Palace.

Bamberg Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture

Dominating the skyline of Bamberg is the imposing Bamberg Cathedral (Bamberger Dom), a structure that has witnessed over a millennium of history. Construction was begun in (1002) 1007 by Emperor Heinrich II, and the church was consecrated in 1012. After several fires, the Cathedral was rebuilt in the 13th century, resulting in its current late Romanesque-Gothic style.

As you approach the Cathedral, you’ll be struck by its four towering spires that seem to touch the sky. The eastern facade, with its ornate carvings and sculptures, offers a glimpse into the medieval mindset, depicting biblical scenes and allegorical figures framing the Adamic Portal and the Marian Portal. On both sides, we find sculptures representing Heinrich II and Kunigunde. This portal is the main entrance to the church. The princely portal on the northern side only opens on feast days. Here the tympanum features the last judgment, and the portal is flanked by sculptures featuring the Ecclesia and the Synagoga.

The Cathedral’s vast interior is a treasure trove of art and history. Don’t miss these key features:

• The Bamberg Rider (Bamberger Reiter): This enigmatic equestrian statue, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the Cathedral’s most famous attractions. Scholars still debate the rider’s identity, with theories ranging from Emperor Constantine to a Hungarian king.
• The Tomb of Emperor Heinrich II and Empress Kunigunde: This ornate marble sarcophagus, created by Tilman Riemenschneider in the early 16th century, is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
• The Tomb of Pope Clement II: The only papal tomb north of the Alps, this 11th-century monument is a rare and significant historical artefact.
• The Altar of the Holy Mother Mary, by Veit Stoss from 1523
• The Diocesan Museum: Located in the Cathedral’s chapter house, this museum houses an impressive collection of ecclesiastical art and artefacts. Of primary significance is the vast collection of textiles and other relics related to the royal couple. Don’t miss!

Insider Tip: Attend a concert or organ recital in the Cathedral to experience its magnificent acoustics and spiritual atmosphere. Or join for a Catholic Mass.

Alte Hofhaltung: A Window into Medieval Life

Just across from the Cathedral, you’ll find the Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court), a complex of buildings that once served as the residence of Bamberg’s bishops in the 15th and 16th centuries. Part of the masonry even dates back to the palace built by Heinrich II. Today, this Renaissance structure houses the Historical Museum of Bamberg, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the city’s past. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from medieval life in Bamberg to the city’s role in the witch trials of the 17th century. Don’t miss the beautiful inner courtyard, which often hosts cultural events and concerts during the summer months.

Located in the Alte Hofhaltung, the Historical Museum Bamberg offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich past. From prehistoric artifacts to medieval treasures and baroque art, the museum’s collections span thousands of years of human history in the region. Key exhibits include:

• The Archaeological Collection: Featuring artefacts from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages.
• The Bamberg Treasure: A collection of precious objects from the 11th to 13th centuries.
• The Baroque Gallery: Showcasing paintings and sculptures from Bamberg’s golden age.

Fun Fact: The Alte Hofhaltung was used as a filming location for the 2011 movie “The Three Musketeers,” standing in for parts of 17th-century Paris.

Neue Residenz: Opulence and Grandeur

No visit to Bamberg is complete without exploring the Neue Residenz (New Residence). This sprawling palace, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, served as the seat of Bamberg’s prince-bishops and showcases the opulence of baroque architecture. As you tour the palace, you’ll be treated to over 40 sumptuously decorated rooms, each telling a story of power, wealth, and artistic patronage. The highlight for many visitors is the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), with its stunning frescoed ceiling depicting the life of Holy Roman Emperor Otto III.

Adjacent to the palace, you’ll find the Rosengarten (Rose Garden), a beautifully manicured baroque garden offering panoramic views of the city. With over 4,500 roses in bloom during the summer months, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a romantic picnic. During the summer, the garden provides a riot of colours and fragrances, enlivening the ornate fountains, the perfect topiaries and the many sculptures.

Hidden Gem: Look for the sundial in the Rose Garden, cleverly designed to use a visitor’s shadow to tell the time.

Altstadt

A pleasant walk winding down leads you to the Altstadt with its medieval streets and pleasant atmosphere.

Altes Rathaus: The Jewel of Bamberg.

This architectural marvel is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Bamberg, perched gracefully on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz River.

The Altes Rathaus dates back to the 14th century, but its current appearance is the result of extensive renovations in the 18th century. What makes this building truly unique is not just its location but also its stunning frescoes that adorn the exterior walls. These intricate paintings, created by Johann Anwander in 1755, depict various allegorical scenes and add a touch of whimsy to the already impressive structure.

Step inside the Altes Rathaus, and you’ll find yourself in the Rococo Hall, a beautifully preserved room that once served as the centre of city government. Today, it houses the Ludwig Collection, an impressive array of porcelain and faience pieces that showcase the artistry of 18th and 19th-century craftsmen.

Schlenkerla

Don’t miss the Schlenkerla at the foot of the Cathedral in Bamberg. A former Dominican Cloister from the 14th century, it serves its famous smoked beer and various local specialities, some of which have a distinct medieval flavour. The stuffed onions are especially recommended. In the warm summer evenings, you can get your beer cheaply at the tap and enjoy this swarming together with the students out in the street. Or you can pay more and sit in the taproom. Or enjoy your traditional Frankish fare in the Schlenkerla restaurant.

Tip: There is also a neat bakery next door where you can get delightful bread for your picnic.

Klein Venedig: Bamberg’s Little Venice

For a change of pace from the grand architecture of the cathedral and town hall, take a stroll along the banks of the Regnitz River to discover Klein Venedig (Little Venice). This charming neighbourhood, with its colourful half-timbered houses lining the waterfront, offers a picturesque glimpse into Bamberg’s past. Originally home to the city’s fishermen and bargemen, these quaint houses date back to the Middle Ages. Today, they stand as a testament to Bamberg’s rich history and provide a perfect backdrop for photographers and romantics alike.

Experience Suggestion: Rent a small boat or join a guided tour to see Klein Venedig from the water. The perspective from the river offers a unique view of these historic houses and their reflection in the calm waters.

More Museums in Bamberg

Natural History Museum: Exploring Franconia’s Flora and Fauna

For nature enthusiasts and families alike, the Natural History Museum offers a captivating journey through the natural world of Franconia. The museum’s extensive collections cover geology, botany, and zoology, with a particular emphasis on local ecosystems. The highlight for many visitors is the famous Bird Hall, which houses over 1,400 specimens of birds from around the world. The lifelike dioramas and interactive exhibits make this museum a hit with visitors of all ages.

E.T.A. Hoffmann Museum: Celebrating a Literary Giant

Literature lovers shouldn’t miss the E.T.A. Hoffmann Museum, dedicated to the famous German Romantic author, composer, and artist who lived in Bamberg from 1808 to 1813. The museum, located in Hoffmann’s former residence, offers an intimate look at the life and work of this multifaceted genius. Exhibits include Hoffmann’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and artwork, as well as interactive displays that bring his fantastical stories to life. The museum also hosts regular readings and musical performances inspired by Hoffmann’s works. Look for the small garden behind the museum, a peaceful spot to relax and perhaps find inspiration for your own creative endeavours.

Bamberg State Library: A Haven for Book Lovers

Bibliophiles will find paradise in the Bamberg State Library (Staatsbibliothek Bamberg), one of Germany’s most important research libraries. While primarily serving scholars and researchers, the library also offers guided tours that allow visitors to glimpse its impressive collections of some of the most beautiful medieval manuscripts which Heinrich commissioned and donated to his Cathedral and other religious institutions in town. And which, after the secularisation, ended up in München or in the Bamberg State Library

The library’s treasures include:

• The Bamberg Apocalypse: A richly illustrated 11th-century manuscript of the Book of Revelation commisioned by Heinrich II
• The printed Bamberg Bible from the 15th century
• Rare incunabula (early printed books) from the 15th century.

Exploring Bamberg’s Nearby Attractions

Michaelsberg Monastery: A Hilltop Haven

Perched atop one of Bamberg’s seven hills, to the north of the Domburg lies the Michaelsberg Monastery (Kloster St. Michael), also founded by the royal saints. The monastery offers visitors not only a glimpse into monastic life but also breathtaking views of the city below. Founded in the 11th century, this former Benedictine monastery has played a significant role in Bamberg’s religious and cultural life for centuries. While the monastery itself is currently undergoing extensive renovations, visitors can still explore the beautiful baroque gardens and enjoy the panoramic vistas. The terrace in front of the church is a popular spot for watching the sunset over Bamberg’s rooftops.

Franconian Brewery Museum

Nearby, the visitor may celebrate Bamberg’s Brewing Heritage by visiting the dedicated museum

Bamberg is renowned for its beer culture, and there’s no better place to explore this aspect of the city’s heritage than the Franconian Brewery Museum. Housed in a former malthouse, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history and techniques of beer production in Bavaria, with a particular focus on the Franconian region. The museum features a vast collection of brewing equipment, from ancient wooden barrels to modern stainless-steel tanks. Interactive displays explain the brewing process, and visitors can even try their hand at traditional malting techniques.

Altenburg Castle: A Hilltop Fortress

Perched on Bamberg’s highest hill, Altenburg Castle offers visitors not only a glimpse into medieval history but also breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The castle, first mentioned in documents from 1109, has served various purposes throughout its long history, from a bishop’s residence to a state prison. Today, visitors can explore:

• The imposing keep, offers 360-degree views of the region
• The castle museum showcases artefacts from various periods of the castle’s histor
• The on-site restaurant, serves traditional Franconian cuisine with a view

Hiking Suggestion: Take the scenic footpath from the city centre to the castle for a pleasant 30-minute walk through forests and vineyards.

On the Outskirts

Seehof Palace: Baroque Splendor

Located just a few kilometres outside Bamberg, Seehof Palace (Schloss Seehof) is a magnificent example of baroque architecture and landscape design. Built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the prince-bishops of Bamberg, the palace and its surrounding gardens offer a delightful day trip destination. Highlights of Seehof Palace include:

• The White Hall, with its stunning ceiling fresco by Giuseppe Appiani
• The restored baroque gardens featuring numerous fountains and sculptures
• The Orangery housing exotic plants during the winter months

Steigerwald Forest Treetop Path: A Walk in the Canopy

For nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, the Steigerwald Forest Treetop Path offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. This 1,150-meter-long elevated walkway takes visitors up to 26 meters above the forest floor, providing an immersive experience of the forest ecosystem. Features of the treetop path include:

• Interactive learning stations about local flora and fauna
• A 41-meter-high observation tower with panoramic views
• Adventure elements like rope bridges and balance beams

Lisberg Castle: Medieval Mystery

In the 9th and 10th centuries the region was filled with medieval fortifications and early castles built to hold back the Magyar and Slavic raids into Francona. To get a sense of the place, venture a short distance from Bamberg to discover the atmospheric ruins of Lisberg Castle. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 12th century, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s feudal past. While much of the castle lies in ruins, its imposing walls and towers still convey a sense of its former grandeur.

Visitors used to be able to explore the remains of the castle’s defensive walls and towers, the picturesque courtyard and a small on-site museum showcasing artefacts found during archaeological excavations. However, the castle recently (2024) changed hands, and the new owners are currently exploring further possibilities for development.

FEATURED PHOTO:

Bamberg Cathedral © Rudolf Erns/Dreamstime ID 149506963

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